Dallas Goedert, Darren Waller, and Juwan Johnson, three TEs who have omitted multiple weeks, could be on the field for the first week of the fantasy football playoffs, supplying owners with a much-needed boost in Week 15 at a time when start ’em, sit ’em decisions are causing major headaches.
Fantasy Injury Updates: Darren Waller, Dallas Goedert and Juwan Johnson for Week 15
New article: Derwin James’ injury could be far more serious than the Chargers have indicated
SUMMARY
- Darren Waller
- Dallas Goedert
- Juwan Johnson
Let’s get started.
1. Darren Waller
UPDATE (Dec. 17): Coach Josh McDaniels would not commit to activating Waller (hamstring) for Sunday’s game against the Patriots.
UPDATE: After being designated to return from injured reserve, Waller (hamstring) was seen participating in the Raiders’ Wednesday practice.
Las Vegas has 21 days to activate him, and he’ll almost certainly play against the Patriots this Sunday.
Starting Waller in his first game back is a risk, but New England allows the 11th-most fantasy points to tight ends this season, so he’s a viable option given the TE position’s dire state.
Waller averaged four catches (six targets) and 43.8 yards in four games. If Waller is unable to play this week, Foster Moreau remains the team’s TE1 but has little fantasy value.
2. Dallas Goedert
UPDATE: According to EJ Smith of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Goedert (shoulder) was on the practice field on Wednesday and is expected to play against the Bears this Sunday.
Goedert has missed the last four games for the Eagles, but prior to the injury, he was one of the most efficient tight ends in the league, ranking third in EPA added (+37.8) and averaging 10.5 yards per target and 2.45 yards per route run.
Goedert averaged five catches and 65.1 yards per game with three touchdowns in eight games.
If Goedert is unable to play this week, Jack Stoll and Grant Calcaterra will see an increase in snap share, but neither is a viable fantasy option. Goedert would be a must-start despite the tough matchup.
UPDATE (Dec. 17): Johnson (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Falcons, according to Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Football news.
UPDATE: According to the Saints’ official injury report, Johnson (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity for the second day in a row on Thursday.
According to the team’s official injury report, Johnson (ankle) participated in a limited session during New Orleans’ Wednesday practice.
Johnson, who had five touchdowns from Weeks 7-11, did not play in New Orleans’ Week 13 game against Tampa Bay, but he could return after recovering during the Saints’ Week 14 bye.
If Johnson is able to play, he remains a solid option in a favorable matchup against a Falcons defense that ranks ninth in fantasy points allowed to tight ends. If Johnson is unable to play, Adam Trautman and Taysom Hill will see increased playing time, but only Hill is worth considering due to his rushing floor.
NFL Schedule 2022 – NFL Week 15
Thursday, Dec. 15
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks, 8:15 p.m., Amazon
Saturday, Dec. 17 or Sunday, Dec. 18 (Pool games)
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills, TBD, TBD
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns, TBD, TBD
Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings, TBD, TBD
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints, TBD, TBD
New York Giants at Washington Commanders, TBD, TBD
Sunday, Dec. 18
Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m., CBS
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m., Fox
Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans, 1 p.m., CBS
Dallas Cowboys at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m., Fox
Detroit Lions at New York Jets, 1 p.m., Fox
Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos, 4:05 p.m., Fox
Tennessee Titans at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m., CBS
Cincinnati Bengals at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:25 p.m., CBS
New England Patriots at Las Vegas Raiders, 8:20 p.m., NBC
Monday, Dec. 19
Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay Packers, 8:15 p.m., ESPN/ABC
